Dean Van Gundy Obituary

Dean R. Van Gundy, 84, of 12 Ute Trail, Manitou Springs passed away on June 30, 2006 in Lexington, SC at the home of his son Dean Jr. (Bob). Dean was born in Norcatur, KS on Jan. 18, 1922. He was the oldest son of Archie and Hazel Van Gundy. He was a graduate of Norcatur High School in 1940. Dean served in the Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force for over 27 years before retiring to Manitou Springs in 1972. He worked on the Mt. Manitou Incline as Head Engineer until its shutdown and at the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. He also drove the refurbished incline bus around town. He was always doing odd jobs, mowing lawns, and anything he could do to help others. There was no such thing as a stranger to Dean. Everyone was a friend. There was not a selfish bone in his body. He had a passion for learning and received a degree in restaurant management from El Paso Community College. Dean was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and the Al Kaly Shriners, and was also involved with the Kiwanis and Eastern Star. He was married to his wife Edith for 48 years until her passing in 1999. Dean was predeceased by his brothers Ival, and Neil, and sons Mark Van Gundy and Edward Kasper. Dean is survived by his sons Bob Van Gundy and his wife Lisa, Ron Kasper and his wife Shirley, daughter Carole Siewenne and her husband Peter, and six sisters; Veda Wood, Twila Vernon, Dixie Wood, Bonnie Klein, Ona Van Gundy, and Sheryl Patterson. He is also survived by his 13 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and one great greatgrandchild. Dean will be dearly missed. A Memorial service will be held 10:00 AM on August 19th, 2006 at the Masonic Lodge, 455 El Paso Blvd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829. The Family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.